Published Sunday, February 9, 2003
Herald Page Designer
Thirty men and 18 women between the ages of 22 and 34 converged on The Foundry Ale Works on Jan. 29 in Pittsburgh for one reason -- to find a date.
The concept is called Progressive Dating or speed dating. For $30, men and women (typically 30 of each) have the chance to meet face to face. With three minutes to talk, they have just enough time to figure out whether or not they want to speak again.
"It boils down to increasing the odds for people," said Dave Schuellerman, who ran the Pittsburgh event with his brother Andrew.
"Few of us would have the energy to date 30 people in a year's time," he said, which makes the service unique.
After each "date," participants are asked to fill out a form in which they mark yes or no to each person. When two people say they want to see each other again, it is considered a match. People who match receive each others' email addresses and have the opportunity to talk again.
The format is good for the most outgoing to the completely shy, Schuellerman said. It marries traditional dating with the concept of Internet dating. Couples meet face to face and have the chance to follow up using the Internet.
"I was luck enough to marry my college sweetheart," Schuellerman said, who admitted he was a shy guy. "If I was single I would be using the service."
One man at the Jan. 29 party said it was not his first time at the event.
He came a second time because he had a few dates out of the first one. While none were a match for him, he thought he'd try again.
Many of the men said they came to the event to branch out and meet people and have a good time.
Success stories can be read on the Progressive Daters Web site.
One story is told by a female ProgressiveDater in the form of a cancellation. "I'm sorry it's a little late to be canceling for tonight, but I'm actually having a date with someone I met at the Independence party last week! So thanks for your service."
Others just had a good time. "I had a great time at the Dating Party! For someone that isn't very outgoing, it was a great way to meet new people," a male ProgressiveDater said on the Web site.
The greatest success story is about to be told. Schuellerman said he believes there are two couples in the Cleveland area who are engaged.
The service is most popular with people in their late 20s, 30s and 40s, Schuellerman said, but anyone between the ages of 22 and 70 can use their service. Each night is divided into various age groups, such as 22-34, 27-40, 40-55, 50-70.
Based on customer feedback, Progressive Daters added the 50-70 range. which will debut at the Foundry Ale Works, in Pittsburgh's Strip District, on April 26. Schuellerman said they already have people registering for that event, though they are having a hard time reaching men.
"At that age (this may be) less about dating and more about forging friendships," he said. "The alternative is the $10 Holiday Inn singles dance. This is more personalized."
Progressive Daters was founded by Schuellerman's cousin, Tracy Corpus. She and her husband Tom saw the concept during a trip to Chicago and brought it back to the Cleveland area.
Their first party was held in Cleveland on April 1. Since then, parties have spread to Akron, Columbus, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh and Schuellerman said they have their eyes on Youngstown and Buffalo.
On the Net:
www.progressivedaters.com